Seth Casteel's 2012 New York Times bestseller "Underwater Dogs" captured dozens of animals in the throes of doggie joy. Each one looked lovable. The thousands of pets currently available for adoption at animal shelters around the United States are equally so, he said - but lackluster photographs on shelter websites, where potential pet adopters often first browse, can keep them from finding homes as quickly as they might. And sometimes, for a shelter animal, that's the difference between life and death.

As part of the One Picture Saves a Life effort, in partnership with the charitable nonprofit GreaterGood.org, Casteel visits New Orleans Saturday (June 28) along with celebrity dog groomer Jorge Bendersky, to offer expert advice on how to get animal ready for a photo that'll make its future owner eager to adopt. They'll be at the Louisiana SPCA (1700 Mardi Gras Blvd.) from 9:30 a.m. til noon Saturday, and from 12:30-4 p.m., teaching current and potential shelter volunteers how to get a pet ready for its close-up.

Seth Casteel's workshops for One Picture Saves a Life are designed for shelter volunteers who'll be photographing dogs they don't know well. But some of his tips could work for you and your dog or cat, at home. Here's a few:

Tips for photographing your pet

Follow the pet's lead. "Do what they do. It's best when they're doing what they like to be doing. I don't like forcing the dog into the studio - what dog likes to be in a studio?" he said. Give the pet some room, and tag along. In an outdoor situation, enlist a friend to help handle the pet while you wield the camera.

Use the element of surprise. "Dogs, especially, react to new variables," Casteel said. A new toy, a snack, or an interesting noise can prompt fun reactions. Great facial expressions can come of playing hide-and-seek with your pet at home, too. "Go around a corner and hide, and let the dog come looking for you," he said. "They're so excited when they find you, and you can capture some fun, hilarious moments."

Keep things calm. This is especially important for shelter animals, but also benefits a photo session with your pet at home. "Be in a quiet place, with limited distractions," he said. "I keep the energy level extremely low - no running around screaming with a bunch of people." A relaxed pet is a pet that's ready for her close-up.

Shoot at the pet's level. Sit or even lie down with the camera to get parallel with the pet. If the animal is very small, try placing him on a slightly higher surface like a table, or the couch so that you can get up close without looming from above. (If your pet is excitable, have that friend around to make sure he doesn't fall.)

Get some exercise. Some breeds of dog - like pit bulls or Rottweilers - have a naturally tough-looking countenance. Casteel's tip for getting a friendly face with such dogs is to catch them right after a run. "A panting dog looks like he's smiling," he noted, in one of One Picture Saves A Life's online video. After a good walk or a session of chase-the-tennis ball, a dog's face will be more animated.

Pay attention to the background. A white dog won't show up well against a white wall, and a black cat could disappear into a dark rug. Try to get the animal into a well-lit situation with lots of contrast between her coloring and the surroundings. Outdoor shots, with natural light, work well.